Illumination display and communication device and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to illumination display(s) and/or communication devices. The device may contain one (1) or more lights and/or light emitting members, which may be arranged in certain configuration(s) to simulate Body Parts, other parts, and/or Accessories in or on humans, animals, objects, things, Fantasy Creatures or characters or things. The lights and/or light emitting members may illuminate in patterns in response to internal or external signal(s), such as sound(s), or music, or audio, phrases, and/or words. The lights and/or light emitting members in the eye and mouth complexes may illuminate in patterns to simulate crying in humans, animals, objects, things, creatures, Fantasy Creatures, characters, and/or things, as well as other eye, mouth or other movement(s) displayed by humans, animals, objects, things, creatures, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things when feeling different kind of emotions, such as happiness, excitement, painfulness, anger, and/or sadness.

PRIORITY

Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 12/907,692, filed Oct. 19, 2010, which is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 12/860,857, filed Aug. 20, 2010, which claimed priority to Provisional Application No. 61/274,716, filed Aug. 20, 2009, the disclosures of which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

GOVERNMENT LICENSE RIGHTS STATEMENT

The invention of the parent application, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/907,692, was made with government support under DE-AC04-94AL85000 awarded by the Sandia Corporation and the U.S. Department of Energy. The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in that invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner of a patent issuing on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/907,692 to license others on reasonable terms.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to illumination display and/or communication devices and methods. The devices are capable of producing animated and/or static visual displays, including facial features, other Body Part Features, as defined in the “DEFINITIONS” section herein, and Accessory Features, as defined in the “DEFINITIONS” section herein, on toys, plush toys, pillows, airplanes, cars, trains, clocks, houses, buildings, masks, dolls, action figures, robots, animals, and Fantasy Creatures, as defined in the “DEFINITIONS” section herein, among others, made of any one (1) or more of a variety of materials, such as fabric, foam, plastic, metal, wood, rubber, etc. The device may contain one (1) or more or a plurality of lights, which may be arranged in certain configuration(s) to simulate Accessories, as defined in the “DEFINITIONS” section herein, and/or Body Parts, as defined in the “DEFINITIONS” section herein, and/or simulate the movement of Accessories and/or Body Parts in humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things. The lights can illuminate in certain patterns in response to a signal and/or a sound, such as beeps, sirens, engine sounds, animal sounds, music, spoken phrases, words, etc. The lights in the eye and/or mouth complexes can illuminate in certain patterns to simulate crying in humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things, as well as other eye and/or mouth movement(s) displayed by humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things, when experiencing different kinds of emotions, such as happiness, excitement, painfulness, anger, sadness, etc. The lights illuminated by the emitting members can be different colors, such as blue, yellow, brown, rose, green, pink, red, peach, nude, black, ultraviolet, etc. These different colors can be used to make the devices look more realistic. The illumination of one (1) or more lights in two (2) or more devices can be synchronized to simulate visual communication between the devices. Also, two (2) or more devices can be synchronized to simulate sound communication between the devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to illumination display and/or communication devices and methods. Animated display devices are known in the art. However the prior arts are limited in their application. Lighted display devices are known. By way of example, statically lighted display devices are commonly used for advertising and other types of signage. Animated lighted display devices are also used, such as in relation to variable advertising mechanisms and the like. Many devices of the prior art, however, are limited in their application. For example, the glass bulbs required for illumination are relatively delicate and cannot be employed in many types of applications that are likely to be subjected to impact and vigorous movements. Also, it is recognized to be problematic to employ traditional illumination sources in contoured applications, such as relative to dolls and other toys. Still further, providing bright and uniform lighting—lighting devoid of noticeable hotspots—is at best challenging using traditional bulb illumination sources.

Alternative forms of illumination have been attempted in general illumination applications. For example, it is known that optically transmissive materials, such as glass or polymers, may be used as a light or waveguide to propagate light. A waveguide typically includes at least one (1) surface adapted to receive light from a light source and an optically smooth surface for reflecting light propagating through the guide. Common examples of waveguides include Optical Fibers traditionally used in the data communication industry and more recently light fibers used for illumination purposes.

It has also been the long sought after goal of many inventors to provide a toy doll capable of simulating animation, such as mouth and eye movement. By way of example, prior art discloses a motor driven mouth actuator that moves a doll's mouth between open and closed positions. Another reference discloses using a complex set of levers and actuators to create what is nonetheless a limited range of facial expressions. Additionally, one (1) facial control system is described as having two (2) lip chains are embedded behind two (2) lips.

Another reference discloses a simulated eye structure for plush toys, dolls and mannequins. The invention discloses artificial eyes for toys, which are constructed from a receptacle housing a light source. The light illuminates to give the toy a sense of having facial features by adding the features on the exterior of the structure, such as eyelids and a simulated pupil/iris configuration.

Most such dolls, however, lack realism. These prior art dolls have been unable in many cases to achieve a full range of human-like and recognizable facial expressions. Furthermore, many of these prior art dolls have required complex mechanical drive arrangements so that they have been prone to failure. Additionally, the relatively complicated dolls of the prior art have been relatively expensive in manufacture and sale. As a result, many animated dolls of the prior art have been poorly received by the consuming public and have been unable to achieve the widespread application necessary for substantial market success.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an illumination display and/or communication device and method, in which one (1) or more or a plurality of lights are present. The devices are capable of producing animated and/or static visual displays, including Body Features, parts, other parts, and/or Accessory Features on toys and other products, plush toys, pillows, cars, clocks, houses, buildings, masks, dolls, action figures, among others, made of any one (1) or more of a variety of materials, such as fabric, foam, plastic, metal, wood, plush, rubber, etc.

In addition to or instead of the one (1) or more or a plurality of lights, the device can include one (1) or more or a plurality of light emitting members. The one (1) or more or the plurality of lights can be disposed in optical communication with each light emitting member for providing illumination within the light emitting member and/or for emitting light from the light emitting member. This, in turn, can create an illumination display.

The illumination device can include a base structure which can be a soft material, such as for example foam, rubber, batting material, etc., or a hard material, such as plastic, wood, metal, etc. The one (1) or more or the plurality of lights and/or the one (1) or more or the plurality of light emitting members can be coupled to the device and/or the base structure. When they are coupled to the base structure, a panel can be applied over at least a portion of the base structure and over the one (1) or more or the plurality of lights and/or the one (1) or more or the plurality of light emitting members. The panel will preferably be translucent over at least a portion of each of the one (1) or more or the plurality of lights and/or the one (1) or more or the plurality of light emitting members. When one (1) or more or a plurality of light emitting members are present, one (1) or more of the light emitting members can be coupled with a reflective material. In addition to or instead of the light emitting member(s) being coupled with a reflective material, a least one (1) of the one (1) or more or the plurality of lights can be coupled with a reflective material.

The one (1) or more or the plurality of lights and/or the one (1) or more or the plurality of light emitting members can be arranged in a complex with multiple predetermined lighting configurations for lighting and/or simulating certain aspects of the device. The light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) can be arranged in a complex around any Body Part, other part, or Accessory to illuminate and/or form patterns on the same. The illumination of the complex can be triggered by one (1) or more of any type of signal(s) and/or activating means, such as mechanical, electrical, motion, sound, radio frequency identification tags, proximity sensors, infra-red, Bluetooth, magnets etc. The triggering sound can come from an internal source, the device or from a source other than the device itself, such as a child playing with the device, another of such devices, a remote or radio controller, or other external source, etc. The means of emitting the sound could be internal or remote, such as a remote speakerphone or loudspeaker.

The light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the Body Part, other part, and/or Accessory complexes, can be illuminated in a pattern to simulate the presence and/or movement of a Body Part, other part, and/or Accessory. The illumination patterns of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the Body Part other part, and/or Accessory and/or Accessory complexes can also be synchronized and/or signaled to simulate movement of a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing in response to an emotion. For example, illumination patterns of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the eye and mouth complexes can be synchronized to simulate eye and mouth movement of a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing in response to an emotion.

Also, the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the eye complex can be illuminated in a pattern to simulate eye movement(s) when a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing blinks. An illumination pattern of light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one Body Part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory complex, and/or at least one or at least one (1) eye complex can be triggered by a detection of any type of signal and/or activating means, such as mechanical, electrical, motion, sound, radio frequency identification tags, proximity sensors, magnets, infrared, Bluetooth, etc. so as to simulate corresponding emotions and/or movements such as i.e. eye closing in a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing, etc. For example an illumination pattern of light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the mouth complex can be triggered by a detection of any type of signal and/or activating means, such as mechanical, electrical, motion, sound, radio frequency identification tags, proximity sensors, radio control, remote control, Bluetooth, infrared, magnets etc. so as to simulate mouth movement(s) displayed by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when greeting or welcoming someone. The light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) can emit light in different colors, such as yellow, brown, red, rose, blue, black, peach, nude, green, etc. to simulate the different colors of the different Body Parts, other parts, and/or Accessories in humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things, etc.

The illumination from the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) may be slowly dimmed, and such a feature may be used, for example, to simulate blushing in the cheek in humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things. The dimming effect may also be used to simulate injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, scabs, bruises, bleeding, etc. The illumination of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in a pattern that simulates injury can also trigger a corresponding illumination pattern of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the eye and mouth complexes, which mimics the eye and mouth movement(s) displayed by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when injured. The illumination pattern that simulates an injury can also trigger sounds being emitted from a mechanism that simulates the sounds made by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when sustaining an injury.

The light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the eye complex can also be illuminated in a pattern that simulates the eye movement(s) displayed by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when crying. The crying illumination pattern in the eye complex can trigger a corresponding illumination pattern in the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the mouth complex, simulating mouth movement(s) displayed by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing. In addition, the crying illumination pattern(s) can trigger sounds being emitted from the mechanism that simulates the sounds made by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when crying.

The illumination of light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in either and/or both the Body and Accessory complexes can also be triggered by the position of the illumination display device. For example, if the device is a doll in a flat or laid down position, the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the eye and mouth complexes will illuminate in at least one (1) pattern that simulates the eye and mouth movement(s) displayed by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when sleeping.

The invention also allows one (1) illumination device to communicate by light, movement, signal(s), and/or sound with another device, even another illumination device through a means of transmitting signals between the at least two (2) devices. The invention also includes communication by light, movement, signal(s), and/or sound between two (2) or more communication devises controlling and/or connected to features representing in any combination, in whole or in part, humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things that are on or in the same illumination display device. The communication can be simulated, such as when the first of the at least two (2) or more representations of humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things lights up and/or makes sound and at least one (1) of the second two (2) or more representations of humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things is timed to light up and/or make sound or perform movements, at a pre-determined time interval of zero (0) or more seconds after the first.

The devices of the invention are capable of producing animated and/or static visual displays, including facial features, other Body Part features and Accessory Features on or in toys or other products, plush toys, pillows, airplanes, cars, trains, clocks, houses, buildings, masks, dolls, action figures, robots, animals, Fantasy Creatures, among others, made of any one (1) or more of a variety of materials, such as fabric, foam, plastic, metal, wood, rubber, etc. The device may contain one (1) or more or a plurality of lights and/or light emitting members, which may be arranged in certain configuration(s) to simulate Accessories and/or Body Parts and/or simulate the movement of Accessories and/or Body Parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a lighted display device according to the present invention in the form of a doll in an animated condition.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the lighted doll display device of FIG. 1 in a dormant condition.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the lighted doll display device of FIG. 1 in an alternative animated condition.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an animated mouth cavity configuration.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the steps of illumination of light emitting members in an animated mouth complex in response to a sound in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the steps of illumination of light emitting members in an animated eye complex in response to a sound in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the steps of synchronization between the illumination of light emitting members in an animated eye complex and the illumination of light emitting members in an animated mouth complex.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the steps of synchronization between the illumination of light emitting members in a pattern that simulates an injury and corresponding illumination patterns of light emitting members in both the eye and mouth complexes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS AND INVENTION

The invention relates to an illumination display and/or communication device. The device can include a base member with a surface and one (1) or more or a plurality of lights and/or light emitting members coupled to the device and/or the base member, if present. The base member can comprise a hard material, such as plastic or a soft material, such as a batting material, etc. The one (1) or more or a plurality of lights and/or light emitting members can be placed on the device, in the device and/or in one (1) or more cavities disposed in the device and/or in the base member of the device. When cavities are disposed in the device and/or base member, each cavity can have a wall surface and a cavity opening contiguous with the surface of the device and/or base member. Different types of devices can have different types of cavities, in the device and/or base, with different sizes, shapes, etc. so that the amount of lighting is matched to the type of cavity of a particular device to allow for focused lighting and avoid bleeding of the light into parts of the device other than the one (1) intended to be illuminated. At least one (1) of the one (1) or more or a plurality of lights and/or light emitting members can be contained in each cavity and coupled to the device, base member and/or a surface of the base member. The light(s), in the form of an illumination device, can be in direct contact with the cavities, or an Optical Fiber can have a first portion in optical communication with the light(s) and a second portion in optical communication with a given cavity for providing illumination in the cavity.

The one (1) or more, or the plurality of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) can be arranged in a variety of units or complexes with more than one (1) unit for various Body Parts, parts of Body Parts, and/or Accessories, and with predetermined lighting configurations, specific to the particular unit or complex, established by selective illumination of the illumination devices in optical communication with the light emitting members forming the particular complex. The one (1) or more, or the plurality of light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) can be arranged in a unit or complex around any Body Part or Accessory to illuminate and/or form patterns on the same. For example, the one (1) or more or the plurality of light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) can be arranged in an animated mouth complex with predetermined mouth lighting configurations established by selective illumination of the light(s) in optical communication with the light emitting member(s) forming the animated mouth complex. For example, the plurality of the light emitting members can be arranged in an animated eye complex with predetermined eye lighting configurations established by selective illumination of the light(s) in optical communication with the light emitting member(s) forming the animated eye complex. The lights emitted can be of different colors, such as yellow, orange, brown, red, rose, blue, black, peach, nude, green, etc. to simulate different colors in humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things, such as eye, mouth, hair or skin colors.

FIG. 1 shows the lighted display device 5 taking the form of a doll. The lighted doll display device head 10 has a face 12 and hair 16. Moreover, the lighted doll display device 10 has eyes 18 and a mouth 20 capable of animation as shown and described herein. A nose 22 and cheeks 14 complete the lighted doll display device 10 to produce a realistic, or as realistic as desired, toy doll. In FIG. 1, the display device 10 is in an animated condition under which both eyes 18 are illuminated as is the mouth 20 in a first predetermined configuration, which in the figure is what can be perceived as an open smile.

In FIG. 2, the display device 10 is shown in what may be considered a dormant condition where neither the eyes 18 nor the mouth 20 are illuminated. With a lack of illumination of the eyes in this embodiment, the lighted doll display device 10 is given an appearance of being at rest or blinking.

In FIG. 3, the lighted doll display device 10 has one (1) eye 18 illuminated, thereby giving an open appearance, and one (1) eye 18 not illuminated, thereby giving a closed or winking appearance. Furthermore, the mouth 20 is illuminated to achieve a second predetermined configuration, which in this case could be perceived as a closed mouth smile or an appearance corresponding to the utterance of certain sounds different from the sounds that would be expected in the first predetermined configuration of the mouth 20. By use of these and further predetermined illuminated configurations of the mouth 20, the lighted doll display device 10 can readily be employed as an animated talking character.

The light emitting members can be arranged in a variety of units or complexes (more than one (1) unit) and can be arranged in different configurations suited to the Body Part, other part, and/or Accessory being lit up. When a large area is to be lit, like an eye, movement can be simulated by selectively turning on and/or turning off particular light emitting members. However, when some light emitting members are selectively turned off to simulate movement in a large open area, the light from the light emitting members that are lit tend to bleed into the unlit area, so the movement is less precise.

For example, to simulate a blinking eye, light emitting members in the top portion of the eye are a turned off prior to the light emitting members in the bottom portion of the eye. This simulates a movement of closing an eyelid. Even though light emitting members in the top portion of the eye are turned off first, the light from the light emitting members in the bottom portion of the eye can still shine or bleed through the top portion of the eye, so the movement does not appear very precise. In these cases, it might be desirable to include a partition between a top portion and a bottom portion of the eye, so that when the light emitting members in one (1) portion are lit, they are less likely to shine or bleed through an unlit portion of the eye.

To simulate movement of an eye looking to the left or the right, it might also be desirable to include a partition between a right portion and a left portion of the eye, so that when the light emitting members in one (1) portion are lit, they are less likely to shine or bleed through an unlit portion of the eye. Partitions can be used in other units or complexes of light emitting members, besides the eyes to limit the light bleeding through from a lit portion to a portion intended to be dark or somewhat darker. Also, such partitions can be placed other than between and top and bottom half, and/or between a right and left side. For example, a partition can be placed diagonally if so desired. Also, the partition does not need to be straight, but can be any shape to create the desired lighting effect, such as wavy, jagged, cylindrical, triangular, box-shaped, etc.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a mouth complex 28. The mouth cavity complex 28 comprises one (1) or more or a plurality of distinct and optically separate lip shape configuration cavities, such as those indicated at 28A through 28H, for providing simulations of the upper and lower lips and potentially other parts of the mouth 20 in varied predetermined configurations.

More particularly, lip shape cavity 28A simulates a contoured upper lip, the lip shape cavity 228B simulates a curved lower lip, and the lip shape cavity 28C simulates a curved lip, whether the upper lip, the lower lip, or both. Additionally, the lip shape cavities 28D and 28E simulate pursed upper and lower lips while the lip shape cavity 28F simulates a slightly opened lower lip shape. Finally, the left and right lip shape cavities 28G and 28H simulate an extended lip, whether the upper lip, the lower lip, or both. Of course, the lip shape cavities 28A through 28H could be differently described and, additionally or alternatively, differently configured. Also, it is possible to include more or fewer lip shape cavities. The lip shape cavities 28A through 28H are capable of being selectively illuminated to achieve numerous predetermined mouth configurations and a nearly infinite variety of simulated animated talking character depictions. Also shown in FIG. 4 are lights in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 38 and optional optical waveguide material 36.

The light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the animated mouth complex can illuminate upon a signal, such as that made by mechanical, electrical, motion, a radio frequency identification tag, proximity sensor, Bluetooth, infrared, magnet, sound, etc. including the detection of a signal(s), or sound from an internal or outside source. The signal can be controlled remotely or not. FIG. 5 shows the steps in one embodiment of synchronizing the illumination of the members light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the mouth complex with a sound from an outside source. Here, sound operates as the signal. The device detects a predetermined sound(s) 20 from an outside source, such as the voice of a child playing with the device, etc. The sound(s) may comprise at least one of beep(s), siren(s), engine sound(s), animal sound(s), audio, words, phrases, and/or music. The sound can be emitted by a remote means, such as a remote speaker or loudspeaker or an internal means. The device recognizes a predetermined sound(s) 23 and communicates to the light emitting light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the mouth complex to illuminate in a predetermined pattern 26, and the members illuminate in a predetermined pattern that is associated with the sound 29. For example, if a lullaby song is detected, the device may communicate to the members in the mouth complex to illuminate in a pattern that simulates the mouth movement(s) or other movement that a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing may display when yawning.

The light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) animated eye complex can illuminate upon detection of a sound from an outside source. FIG. 6 shows the steps of synchronizing the illumination of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) eye complex with a sound as the signal from an outside source in one embodiment. The device detects a predetermined sound 32 from an outside source, such as the voice of the child playing with the device. The sound(s) may comprise at least one of beep(s), siren(s), engine sound(s), audio, animal sound(s), word(s), letter(s), phrase(s), and/or music. The sound can be emitted by a remote means, such as a remote speaker or loudspeaker or an internal means. The device recognizes a predetermined sound 35 and communicates to the light emitting members in the eye complex to illuminate in a predetermined pattern 38, and the members illuminate in a predetermined pattern that is associated with the sound 41. For example, when the spoken word “BAD” is detected, the device may communicate to the members in the eye complexes to illuminate in a pattern that simulates the eye movement(s) or other movements displayed by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when crying.

A particular illumination pattern displayed by the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the eye complex can trigger the members in the mouth complex to display a corresponding illumination pattern and vice versa, i.e., the activity of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the mouth and eye complex can be synchronized. FIG. 7 shows the steps of synchronization between the illumination of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in an animated eye complex and the illumination of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in an animated mouth complex. The light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the mouth complex are triggered to illuminate in a particular pattern 44. The device immediately recognizes this particular pattern has a corresponding pattern in at least one (1) of the eye complexes 47 and communicates to the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) of the eye complexes to illuminate in a corresponding pattern 50. The light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) of the eye complexes illuminate in the corresponding pattern 53. For example, the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the mouth complex are triggered to illuminate in at least one (1) pattern that simulates the mouth movement(s) displayed by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when crying. The device will communicate to the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) eye complex to illuminate in a corresponding pattern that would simulate the eye movement(s) displayed by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when crying.

The synchronization does not have to follow these exact steps, but rather a particular illumination pattern displayed by the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the eye complex can trigger the members in the mouth complex to illuminate a corresponding pattern or vice versa. The light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in both the eye and mouth complexes can be triggered simultaneously to illuminate corresponding patterns.

The light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in mouth and eye complexes can illuminate in at least one (1) pattern to simulate the mouth and eye movement(s) a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing may display when feeling certain emotions, including, but not limited to: happiness, excitement, painfulness, anger, and sadness. For example, the device might communicate to the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the eye and mouth complexes to illuminate at least one (1) pattern that may simulate the eye and mouth movement(s) displayed by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when he or she is feeling happy. The patterns may simulate the eye and mouth movement(s) displayed by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when laughing, which is an action associated with the feeling of happiness.

An example of the color of the light emitted by the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) is red. The red lights can be illuminated in a pattern that simulates injuries as seen in humans, animals or fantasy characters, such as scabs, cuts, scrapes, bruises, nicks, and bleeding. FIG. 8 shows the synchronization between the illumination of light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in a pattern that simulates an injury and corresponding illumination patterns of light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in both the eye and mouth complexes. An “injury” illumination pattern is illuminated 56. The device immediately recognizes this particular pattern has a corresponding pattern in at least one (1) of the eye complexes and the mouth complex 59 and communicates to the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) of the eye complexes and the mouth complex to illuminate in a pattern that simulate eye and mouth movement(s) displayed by humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things when experiencing pain 62. The light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) of the eye complexes and mouth complex illuminate in such a pattern 65. For example, the display of an “injury” illumination pattern may trigger the members light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the eye and mouth complexes to illuminate in patterns that simulate the eye and mouth movement(s) displayed by humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things when crying, which is an action that may be associated with painfulness. The illumination pattern that simulates an injury can also trigger sounds being emitted from the device that simulate the sounds made by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when sustaining an injury.

An illumination pattern of light emitting me light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the mouth complex can be triggered by a detection of a signal emitted from a device, such as a radio frequency identification tag, proximity sensor, or magnet, to simulate mouth movement(s) displayed by a human when greeting or welcoming someone. The invention also allows one (1) illumination display device to communicate with another illumination display device through a means of transmitting signals between at least two (2) devices. The light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the eye and mouth complexes of one (1) device can be synchronized with the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in eye and mouth complexes of at least one (1) other device to illuminate corresponding patterns, so it would appear that the devices are verbally communicating with each other to simulate two (2) humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things talking, illuminating or otherwise communicating with each other. It is also possible for a single device to have two (2) or more representations of humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things synchronized so that they appear to be talking, illuminating or otherwise communicating with each other. The apparent communication between the two (2) or more representations of humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things can be achieved in a number of different ways, such as by timing the communication by one (1) to follow another, the communication by one (1) to transmit at least one signal to the other and the other may communicate in return. The illumination pattern(s) that simulates verbal and/or non-verbal communicating between at least two (2) devices can also trigger signal(s), sound(s), and/or other audio being emitted from the devices that simulates the sound(s) and/or movements made by humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things when talking/communicating with each other.

The illumination of light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in both the eye and mouth complexes (or other body parts, other parts, and/or accessories) can be triggered by the position of the device. For example, if the device is in a flat or laid down position, the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the eye and mouth complexes will illuminate in at least one (1) pattern that simulates the eye and mouth movement(s) displayed by a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when sleeping.

The illumination display device can also include a mechanism to allow a user to alternate between two (2) or more types of sounds, such as two (2) or more languages, types of music, etc. It can alternate between words or music as well. By way of non-limiting example, the illumination device can include a battery box with a switch that goes at least two (2) ways, for shifting between at least two (2) sounds. A three (3)-way switch would switch between three (3) sounds, a four (4)-way switch would switch between four (4) sounds, etc.

As discussed, illumination of light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) can simulate movement, but the device, or parts thereof, can also actually move in synch with any sound or actual or simulated movement of other Body Parts or Accessories. For example, arms can waive, hips can wiggle, eyebrows can be raised, legs can kick, the device can dance, hats can tip, hand bags can swing, etc.

As mentioned above, the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) can be arranged in a variety of units or complexes (i.e., more than one (1) unit). These units or complexes of light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) is termed a module herein. The module(s) can be easily fit into a hard illumination and communication device, such as a device made of hard plastic, wood, metal, etc., because a more solid supporting structure can be used to hold the module(s) in place. However, when the illumination and communication device is soft, like rubber, plush or pillow, it is desirable to use a less solid supporting structure to hold the module(s) in place so that when the device is pushed or squeezed the supporting structure is felt less, so as to interfere less with the enjoyment of the device.

Some type of supporting structure is usually needed, because otherwise the module(s) can move around within the device. When manufacturing a softer device, it is desirable to adhere the module(s) to the inside face of the device. In addition to or instead of using adhesive, it can also be desirable to form the soft material around the module(s) to hold it in place.

By way of non-limiting example, exemplary steps for manufacturing a soft pillow illumination and communication device are set forth below, but the general steps can be applied to any other softer devices. A base in the form of foam or other filler or batting material is cut or stamped out to create one (1) or more mold cavities in which to fit one (1) or more modules. The base can be about the same size as the display device, but it can also be smaller or bigger. It is desirable that the base be thick enough to hold the module(s) in place within the cavity(ies). Thus, the thickness of the base, or at least the part of the base holding the module(s), can vary with the thickness of the module(s). The base can vary in thickness from the thinnest amount sufficient to assist in holding the module in place to as thick as the illumination device itself. For example, ⅛ inch, ¼ inch, ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, 1⅛ inch thick, etc.

At least one (1) module to which none, one (1) or more partitions has been added, can be covered with a transparent, substantially transparent or slightly opaque covering lens like clear plastic. Also, the base can be covered by the outer covering of the display device, e.g., a pillow cover, a fabric or fabric-like material. The outer covering can have one (1) or more designs, such as facial features, animal features, a landscape, flowers, stars, hearts, etc.

The one (1) or more modules can be placed in the one (1) or more cavities such that the light from the light source can shine out of the opening of the one (1) or more cavities and through the outer covering of the base. The one (1) or more modules can be held in the one (1) or more cavities by means of the friction between the inner walls of the one (1) or more cavities on the one (1) or more modules. The one (1) or more modules can also be held in place against the interior side of the outer covering of the base.

Additional or alternative means can also be used to hold the one (1) or more modules in place. For example, adhesive can be applied to the one (1) or more modules and/or to the covering lens, if any, of the one (1) or more modules and the adhesive can serve to affix the one (1) or more modules to any of the walls of the one (1) or more cavities and/or to the interior side of the outer covering of the base. Any type of adhesive can be used, such as tape, glue, putty, etc. Some adhesives can be applied by spraying as well.

An attaching device can be used in addition to or instead of an adhesive. For example, the module and cavity can have mating strips of Velcro® fasteners, toggles, hook and loop, a material having complimentary parts which mate to each other when brought (i.e., pressed) together, hook and eye, hook, snap, button, buckle, clip, stud, mesh, magnet, stay, twist tie, loop, and/or an adjustable full through circle loop latch, etc. For example, one (1) or more modules can have one (1) or more loops or holes and through which it can be sewn to the base and/or the outer covering of the base.

-   -   The invention may in another embodiment be an illumination         display and/or communication device comprising in any         combination, in part or in whole, at least two (2)         representations of a human(s), animal(s), object(s), thing(s),         living creature(s) or character(s), Fantasy Creature(s), fantasy         character(s), and/or fantasy thing(s); each of the human(s),         animal(s), object(s), thing(s), living creature(s) or         character(s), Fantasy Creature(s), fantasy character(s), and/or         fantasy thing(s) having:         -   a. light(s) and/or light emitting member(s);         -   b. when light(s) are present, the lights being disposed in             optical communication with each light emitting member for             providing illumination within the light emitting member             and/or for emitting light from the light emitting member;         -   c. the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) being             arranged in at least one (1) or more Body Part, other part,             appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory             and/or Accessory complex with multiple predetermined             lighting configurations established by selective             illumination of the lights; and         -   d. at least one means for transmitting signals between the             at least two (2) representations, in any combination, in             part or in whole, of human(s), animal(s), object(s),             thing(s), living creature(s) or character(s), Fantasy             Creature(s), fantasy character(s), and/or fantasy thing(s),             to simulate communication between the at least two (2)             representations, in any combination, in part or in whole,             (human(s), animal(s), object(s), thing(s), living             creature(s) or character(s), Fantasy Creature(s), fantasy             character(s), and/or fantasy thing(s).     -   A method of making at least one illumination display and/or         communication device comprising: cutting one (1) or more         cavities into a base of the device; coupling the base of the         device to an outer covering of the device; applying adhesive to         one (1) or more illumination modules; fitting one (1) or more         illumination modules into the one (1) or more cavities. The         adhesive may be applied to a covering lens of at least one (1)         or more illumination modules.     -   The invention can also additionally comprise of the light(s)         and/or light emitting member(s), being arranged in one (1) or         more Body Part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or         Accessory and/or Accessory complex, with multiple predetermined         lighting configurations established by selective illumination of         the lights, and means to synchronize the illumination of at         least one (1) light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at         least one (1) of the one (1) or more Body Part, other part,         appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory and/or         Accessory complex, with at least one (1) signal and/or sound         from at least one (1) of an outside and/or a separate inside         source or device, creates the simulation of at least one (1) of         motion, and/or sound/audio, and/or emotion, and/or at least         one (1) of controls, turns on or turns off other animation         and/or switches, and/or mechanical or electrical devices within,         connected to, or associated with the invention which produces at         least one (1) of movement, audio/sound, emotion, on, within,         connected to, or associated with, the invention or what the         invention is housed within. The device may further comprising         synchronization of the animated mouth complexes between at least         two (2) illuminated display devices to simulate verbal         communication between two (2) devices.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention should not be limited to the described preferred embodiments. Rather, various changes and modifications can be made with within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Definitions

“Accessory Features”: features, such as attributes, aspects, qualities and/or abilities, etc. of an Accessory(ies) and parts of an Accessory(ies).

“Accessory” and “Accessories”: a thing that can be added to something else, by way of non-limiting example, any one (1) or more of hair and/or head Accessories, such as hair clips, barrettes, head bands, pony tail holders, hats, etc., ear Accessories, such as earrings, stickers, etc., neck Accessories, such as ties, bow ties, scarves, necklaces, cravats, etc., body Accessories, such as clothing and/or Accessories thereof, such as buttons, bows, collars, etc., handbags, belts, weapons, shoes, etc., food Accessories, such as candy, ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc., mouth Accessories, such as pipes, bubble blowers, toothpicks, lipstick, etc., face Accessories, such as sunglasses, makeup, piercings of, for example, the nose, lip, eyebrow, and/or tongue, toy Accessories, such as balls, balloons, dolls, tennis racquets, lacrosse sticks, baseball bats, etc.

“Body Features”: features, such as attributes, aspects, qualities and/or abilities, etc. of Body Parts and parts of Body Parts.

“Body Parts”: the parts of the body, by way of non-limiting example, any one (1) or more of head and/or face and/or parts thereof, such as ears, parts of the face, such as eyes, nose, mouth, cheeks, etc. for tears, etc., the neck, chest, and parts thereof, such as the heart, arms, hands or paws, torso and parts thereof, waist, hips, legs, feet or paws, tail, if any, etc.

“Fantasy Creature”: something that doesn't actually exist, is normally not an animated living creature, such as a body of water, a tree, etc., is imaginary, such as a dragon, unicorn, etc., or extinct, such as dinosaurs, etc., and/or not animate, such as a rock, pencil, car, etc.

“Optical Fiber”: is a flexible, transparent fiber made of glass (silica) or plastic, slightly thicker than a human hair. It functions as a “light pipe” to transmit light between the two (2) ends of the fiber. 

What is being claimed is:
 1. An illumination display and/or communication device comprising: a. light(s) and/or light emitting member(s); b. when light(s) and light emitting member(s) are present, the lights being disposed in optical communication with each light emitting member for providing illumination within the light emitting member and/or for emitting light from the light emitting member; c. the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) being arranged in or on at least one (1) or more Body Part, other part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory or Accessory complex, with at least one predetermined lighting configuration(s) established by selective illumination of the lights; and d. at least one (1) means to synchronize the illumination of at least one (1) light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) of the one (1) or more Body Part, other part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory or Accessory complex, with at least one (1) signal and/or sound from at least one (1) outside, inside, and/or separate inside source.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one (1) signal is at least one (1) sound and the at least one (1) sound is emitted by internal or external means of sound emission, comprising at least one (1) internal, and/or external, and/or remote speaker and/or loudspeaker.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the at least one (1) sound comprises at least one of the following; sound(s), word(s), phrase(s), letter(s), numbers(s), slogan(s), sentence(s), song(s), in whole or in part, audio, sound effects and/or music, and/or other audio transmission.
 4. The device of claim 1, further comprising illumination of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in eye complexes in at least one (1) pattern that simulates the eye movement(s) of a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when blinking
 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising illumination of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) of the at least one (1) or more Body Part, other part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory or Accessory complex, and/or at least one (1) animated eye complex in at least one (1) pattern in response to the at least one (1) signal and/or sound comprising at least one of sound(s), word(s), phrase(s), slogan(s), letters(s), number(s), sentence(s), song(s), in whole or in part, audio, sound effects and/or music, and/or other audio transmission.
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising illumination of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) of the at least one (1) or more Body Part, other part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory or Accessory complex, and/or at least one (1) animated eye complex in at least one (1) pattern that simulates eye movement(s) in humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things in response to at least one (1) emotion, transmission, and/or signal, and/or sound.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the pattern of the illumination of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) animated eye complex mimics the eye movement(s) of a human, animal, object, thing, living creature or character, Fantasy Creature, fantasy character, and/or fantasy thing when crying.
 8. The device of claim 1, further comprising illumination of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in an animated mouth complex in at least one (1) pattern that simulates mouth movement(s) in response to at least one (1) emotion, transmission, and/or signal, and/or sound.
 9. The device of claim 1, further comprising synchronization of illumination of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least (1) of the at least one (1) or more Body Part, other part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory or Accessory complex, and/or at least one (1) animated eye complex with the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) of the at least one (1) or more Body Part, other part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory complex, and/or at least one (1) animated mouth complex in at least one (1) pattern to simulate the eye and mouth and/or other movement(s), respectively, in humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things in response to at least one (1) emotion, transmission, and/or signal, and/or sound.
 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising illumination of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) of the at least one (1) or more Body Part, other part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory complex, and/or at least one (1) animated mouth complex in at least one (1) pattern upon detection of a signal given off by a device, the signal being one (1) or more of electrical, light, audio, sound, mechanical, motion activated, radio and/or other frequency identification tags, proximity sensors, infrared, Bluetooth, remote control, sonar, and/or magnets.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in the at least one (1) of the at least one (1) or more Body Part, other part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory or Accessory complex, and/or at least one (1) animated mouth complex can illuminate lights of different colors, comprising at least one (1) of the colors red, green, rose, blue, orange, black, ultraviolet, pink, peach, flesh, and/or nude.
 12. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one (1) mechanism to dim or slowly dim or alter the illumination of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s).
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the dimming or other altering of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) simulates cheek blushing and/or other emotions in humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things and/or other emotion(s) in humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) can illuminate lights of a red or similar color.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the red or similar color lights simulate injuries comprising cuts, tears, nicks, bruises, and/or scabs.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the simulation of injuries can be synchronized with illumination of at least one (1) animated eye complex and/or at least one (1) animated mouth complex, and/or at least one (1) or more Body Part, other part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory or Accessory complex, and wherein the device emit(s) and/or signal(s) one (1) or more sound and/or other audio transmission and/or other transmission to simulate emotions displayed by humans, animals, objects, things, living creatures or characters, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things when injured.
 17. The device of claim 16, further comprising synchronization of the animated mouth complexes between at least two (2) illuminated display devices to simulate verbal communication between at least two (2) devices.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein verbal communication between at least two (2) devices is simulated by means of timing and/or at least one (1) of internal, external, and/or remote activation.
 19. The device of claim 1, further comprising the illumination of the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in an animated eye complex in response to a change in the position of the device.
 20. An illumination display and/or communication device comprising in any combination, in part or in whole, at least two (2) representations of a human(s), animal(s), object(s), thing(s), living creature(s) or character(s), Fantasy Creature(s), fantasy character(s), and/or fantasy thing(s); each of the human(s), animal(s), object(s), thing(s), living creature(s) or character(s), Fantasy Creature(s), fantasy character(s), and/or fantasy thing(s) having: a. light(s) and/or light emitting member(s); b. when light(s) are present, the lights being disposed in optical communication with each light emitting member for providing illumination within the light emitting member and/or for emitting light from the light emitting member; c. the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) being arranged in at least one (1) or more Body Part, other part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory and/or Accessory complex with multiple predetermined lighting configurations established by selective illumination of the lights; and d. at least one means for transmitting signals between the at least two (2) representations, in any combination, in part or in whole, of human(s), animal(s), object(s), thing(s), living creature(s) or character(s), Fantasy Creature(s), fantasy character(s), and/or fantasy thing(s), to simulate communication between the at least two (2) representations, in any combination, in part or in whole, (human(s), animal(s), object(s), thing(s), living creature(s) or character(s), Fantasy Creature(s), fantasy character(s), and/or fantasy thing(s).
 21. A method of making at least one illumination display and/or communication device comprising: a. cutting one (1) or more cavities into a base of the device; b. coupling the base of the device to an outer covering of the device; c. applying adhesive to one (1) or more illumination modules; d. fitting one (1) or more illumination modules into the one (1) or more cavities.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the adhesive is applied to a covering lens of at least one (1) or more illumination modules.
 23. The device of claim 1, wherein the light(s) and/or light emitting member(s), being arranged in one (1) or more Body Part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory and/or Accessory complex, with multiple predetermined lighting configurations established by selective illumination of the lights, and means to synchronize the illumination of at least one (1) light(s) and/or light emitting member(s) in at least one (1) of the one (1) or more Body Part, other part, appendage, internal or external part, and/or Accessory and/or Accessory complex, with at least one (1) signal and/or sound from at least one (1) of an outside and/or a separate inside source or device, creates the simulation of at least one (1) of motion, and/or sound/audio, and/or emotion, and/or at least one (1) of controls, turns on or turns off other animation and/or switches, and/or mechanical or electrical devices within, connected to, or associated with the invention which produces at least one (1) of movement, audio/sound, emotion, on, within, connected to, or associated with, the invention or what the invention is housed within.
 24. The device of claim 23, further comprising synchronization of the animated mouth complexes between at least two (2) illuminated display devices to simulate verbal communication between two (2) devices. 